Month: January 2022

Five tips to build relationships in a virtual environment

One of the best things about college is the friendships we make. We know that in a virtual environment, it can be hard to get to know people, but there are still ways you can connect from a distance. Check out this list!

Set up a virtual game night

Here is a great way to meet people while having lots of fun! Whether you like scavenger hunts, trivia, or escape rooms, the internet offers a long list of games that you can play virtually. Here are a few we recommend you check out. You can also play all sorts of multiplayer games on your phone. See a list of top apps to try.

Have a movie session with friends

Invite a group of friends and get your popcorn ready! Using Teleparty, you can watch content from Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, HBO Max and Amazon Prime, while having a group chat. Leave comments and compare reactions, while you watch a movie together.

Attend AC online events

There are so many amazing events that we have been putting together to make you feel part of our AC community. These events are a great way to meet people. This Friday, January 28th, AC’s Student Association is hosting Speed Friending. This virtual event is a great way to bridge some new connections. Speed Friending is happening from 1:00 pm to 2:30 pm ET. Register online now to participate.

Start a virtual book club

Book clubs can be a good way to share ideas and reflect on your latest read. It’s no different in a virtual environment. Pick a list of books, choose your video chat platform, and invite your friends for an engaging discussion about your favourite books.

Build a virtual classroom “space”

Creating a virtual space for your classmates is an easy way to stay connected after classes are over. Discord is a great example, but there are lots of options to choose from. The Discord app supports text, video calls, and voice chats.

 

Six things you can do to relieve some stress

Next week is Mental Health Awareness Week at Algonquin College. From January 24th to January 28th, you will learn more about the resources and services available for the AC community. To kick off an important week of discussion about mental health and wellness, we have put together a list of our top tips for taking care of yourself and relieving some stress.

Keep moving

Exercise pumps up our endorphins. Even a 20-minute workout at home will make a difference. When we exercise we increase our sense of well-being. Keeping active also helps you sleep better, another stress-reduction tip. If you are not a big fan of online workout videos, consider other activities such as dancing and going for walks. Anything active will produce the feel-good substances our body needs to stay well.

Get some sleep

While we’ve mentioned sleep already, it’s an important stress-reducer, so deserves to be a tip of its own. When you are tired, your chances of feeling stressed are higher. A good night’s sleep helps you concentrate better and achieve more during the day.

Make some comfort food

Eating healthy is super important to creating balance in your life. BUT, we say every now and then you can choose to make your favourite comfort food to lift your spirits. Go ahead and pick a recipe you want to make this week that will bring that comfort to your heart and will make you smile!

Do something for yourself

It could be taking a bubble bath, learning a new hobby, reading a book, watching that next episode of your favourite show, or anything else that you enjoy. Make sure to take a break and do something for yourself this week.

Don’t forget to socialize

We cannot be physically close right now, but luckily the online world has plenty of options that will help you stay connected to your friends and family. Chat with friends and family on Zoom or watch a movie together on Netflix. “It is always better when we are together.”

Access our AC support services

We have so many people ready to help you, so don’t take on your stress alone. Services are currently available virtually. Seek support from Counselling Services, access resources and services from Health Services, get study help from the Student Learning Centre, Library, or Peer Tutoring, and feed your soul with the Spiritual Centre and Mamidosewin Centre.

We hope our tips will help you feel a little lighter and keep you steady and ready for the rest of the semester. Don’t forget to check out our activities during AC’s Mental Health Awareness Week, January 24-28.